Mega Millions Soars To $1.3 Billion! Here’s How Texas Residents Can Buy Tickets Online

There was no winner last night for the Mega Millions Jackpot which has grown to over a billion dollars. With no one having winners after last night's drawing the jackpot is now up to $1.35 billion. The estimated cash payout is $707.9 million. The next drawing will be Friday, January 13th.

Wouldn't it be so much easier if we could just buy our lottery tickets online, we can buy just about everything else online, so why not lottery tickets?

According to the Texas Lottery Commission:  State laws and regulations do not permit the sale of tickets by mail, phone, or Internet. Also, federal laws and regulations may restrict such sales. You must buy your tickets from a licensed retailer here in Texas.

As with everything, someone has found a loop whole when it comes to buying lottery tickets online. You can purchase tickets online through a third-party vendor called theLotter. theLotter gives Texans a chance to play their favorite jackpot games like Powerball, Mega Millions, Ca$h Five, Texas Two Step, and others. You also don't have to worry about keeping up with your paper tickets. You also don't have to wait for the server to catch up to check the winning numbers.

Keep in mind this is a third-party vendor. theLotter allows you to play your favorite games and pick your numbers or tickets, just the way you would if you went to a store, then an agent from theLotter will purchase your tickets for you. If you were to purchase winning tickets you will receive a notification of the winning numbers and your winnings. Don't worry theLotter doesn't take a percentage of your winnings but you will have to pay a service fee will purchasing your tickets.

If your jackpot is $600 or less the money will be placed in your account to either cash out or remain in your account to use at a future time. If your jackpot is greater than $600 you will need to claim your winnings at a Texas Lottery claims center and you will need to have the paper tickets. At that time you can choose to have your paper ticket mailed to you or delivered in person.

Good Luck to everyone who plays and if you win you are more than welcome to share with me.